Country Info:
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Gambia Location:
Physical
The Gambia is an English-speaking country in west Africa. The shape of the country is like a pointing finger, bounded to the west by the Atlantic Ocean and otherwise surrounded by Senegal. Apart from the island countries, The Gambia is the smallest nation on the mainland of Africa. Its land area is approximately 11,300 square kilometers, divided into north and south with the River Gambia in between. The Gambia has relatively little fertile soil and no mineral deposits.
Gambia People:
People
The population of The Gambia stands at more than 1.5 million with a growth rate of about 3%. Five main ethnic groups, in order of size, are: Mandinka, Fula, Wolof, Serahuli, and Jola. There are other minority groups, including the Manjako and Aku. While figures vary, more than 90% of the population is Muslim, with Christians (9%) and indigenous beliefs making up the remainder. 80% of the population lives in rural villages and farm the land.
Gambia Government:
Government
The official name is the Republic of The Gambia. The Gambia gained its independence from the UK in 1965; it formed a short-lived federation of Senegambia with Senegal between 1982 and 1989. In 1991 the two nations signed a friendship and cooperation treaty. A military coup in 1994 overthrew the president and banned political activity, but a new 1996 constitution and presidential elections, followed by parliamentary balloting in 1997, have completed a nominal return to civilian rule. It is a republic and a member of the Commonwealth of Nations.
Gambia Economy:
Economy
The Gambia has no important mineral or other natural resources and has a limited agricultural base. About 75% of the population depends on crops and livestock for its livelihood. Small-scale manufacturing activity features the processing of peanuts, fish, and hides. Reexport trade normally constitutes a major segment of economic activity, but the 50% devaluation of the CFA franc in January 1994 made Senegalese goods more competitive and hurt the reexport trade. The Gambia has benefited from a rebound in tourism after its decline in response to the military's takeover in July 1994.
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